A Cuban doctor named Elisbet Cardero, aged 37, was recently released after spending more than 20 days in an immigration transition center located in Broward, Florida. Cardero, who entered the United States in 2022 and was in the midst of an asylum process with an I-220A form, was apprehended on March 11 after attending an immigration appointment in Miami. Her attorney, Ralip Hernández, clarified that the arrest was not linked to any criminal activity but was instead due to a bureaucratic oversight: Cardero failed to properly update her address following a move to Texas.
“We managed to prove that my client poses no threat to the United States,” stated Hernández, after securing her release on a $20,000 bond. Cardero initially entered the country through the border in 2022 and was granted an I-220A, a document allowing her to continue her process while free. However, her attendance at the immigration appointment unexpectedly led to her detention. “She suddenly went from being an asylum seeker to a detainee awaiting resolution,” explained her cousin, Betsy Cardero, who added, “She's in a terrible state, extremely stressed... in a limbo.”
Migrants Affected by Bureaucratic Errors
The incident has raised concerns within the immigrant community, highlighting how administrative mistakes can jeopardize the freedom of individuals in regular situations. “An individual with no criminal record or legal problems was detained simply for not updating their address through the proper channels,” detailed Hernández, reminding that many immigrants are unaware of the obligation to update their address with authorities upon moving. “The process is straightforward and can be done online, but neglecting it can lead to severe consequences,” warned Hernández, stressing that immigrants with ongoing cases before ICE should exercise particular caution: “Any inconsistency in their file can result in unexpected detentions.”
Broader Implications for Cuban Immigrants
Similar cases have been reported recently, especially among Cuban citizens holding the same immigration status (I-220A). On March 10, at least five Cuban women were detained at the ICE office in Miramar during their scheduled appointments. Several of them, including Beatriz Monteagudo and Denice Reyes, were transferred to centers in other states without clear information about their destinations.
On March 25, Cuban journalist Esteban García del Toro was arrested at an appointment in Orlando, despite being in the process of obtaining residency through marriage to a U.S. citizen. Other recent cases include Ariel Rodríguez Gutiérrez, a victim of immigration fraud, and Eduardo Núñez, who was arrested in front of his Miami home while taking out the trash.
Policy Changes and Community Response
The overall situation has intensified since March 25, when the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) announced the revocation of the humanitarian parole program for Cubans, Haitians, Nicaraguans, and Venezuelans. As of April 24, active permits will be invalidated, and those who have not adjusted their status may face expedited deportations.
Cases like that of presenter Diony Osniel López Díaz in Miami illustrate the anxiety faced by thousands of migrants now forced to leave the country or navigate legal proceedings. Cuban opposition figures Lázaro Yuri Valle Roca and Eralidis Frómeta also received departure notifications, which they described as a “death sentence” if they return to Cuba.
The situation has sparked heated debate across social media, migrant communities, and political arenas. Congresswoman María Elvira Salazar publicly urged immigration authorities to halt the detention of individuals with I-220A and allow their asylum cases to be heard. "I am pleading for them to be granted Parole in Place," she declared.
Experts in immigration law emphasize that many of those detained lack criminal records and comply with conditions set by ICE. Nonetheless, the new policies introduced since the arrival of Donald Trump to the presidency have exacerbated fears within the Cuban community in the U.S., which now faces increasing uncertainty.
Meanwhile, Elisbet Cardero will continue her legal journey while free, but her case serves as yet another example of a system that, amid recent regulatory changes, places the lives of thousands of migrants in jeopardy.
Common Questions About Cuban Immigration and ICE Detentions
Why was Elisbet Cardero detained by ICE?
Elisbet Cardero was detained due to a bureaucratic error; she failed to update her address after moving to Texas, which is required by immigration authorities.
What is an I-220A form?
An I-220A form is a document that allows individuals in the process of seeking asylum to remain free while their case is being processed.
How have recent policy changes affected Cuban immigrants?
Recent policy changes, including the revocation of the humanitarian parole program, have increased uncertainty and potential for deportation among Cuban immigrants.